Fran Kirby announces England retirement ahead of Euro 2025 - 'Didn't ever want this day to come'
By Leon Imber
Published 03/06/2025 at 22:20 GMT+1
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Fran Kirby, a key member of England's Euro 2022-winning squad, has announced her retirement from international football. The former Chelsea midfielder played 24 minutes in England's 6-0 victory over Portugal in their Nations League clash on Friday, but was absent for the defeat to Spain on Tuesday. "I didn't ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened," she said.
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Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football over 10 years on from making her England debut.
Kirby, 31, was a key member of Sarina Wiegman's squad that won the Women's European Championship in 2022.
She scored in England's 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden and played 55 minutes of the 2-1 final victory over Germany.
The Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder said she "didn't ever want this day to come" but expressed her pride at representing her country for over 10 years.
"It's been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl," Kirby wrote in a post on Instagram.
"I've played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.
"My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave 100%.
"Every single call up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I've always been there to help England win.
"My mum had a dream of me representing my country, and I'm so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all. I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium."
Kirby was a regular figure for England since making her debut in 2014. She was a part of the team that finished third at the 2015 Women's World Cup, fourth in the competition four years later and runners-up in the most recent edition.
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"Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women's football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.
"Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour.
"To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can."
Kirby told ESPN that Wiegman had told her she would not be included in the squad for England's Euro campaign this summer, and said: "I knew it was the moment where I'd outstayed my welcome".
The former Chelsea playmaker earned 77 international caps, scoring 19 goals in that time.
Wiegman will name her squad on Thursday, which will also not include goalkeeper Mary Earps, who also announced her international retirement shortly before the tournament, taking place in Switzerland from July 2-27.
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